Vitamin D: Deadly Deficiency
In one of the largest studies to date, researchers from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) have found yet another great reason to complement our nutrition with a quality vitamin D supplement.
While examining large cross sections of the population, researchers found that persons with higher circulating levels of vitamin D were 40% less likely to contract various forms of cancer (1).
According to EPIC coordinator Dr. Elio Riboli of Imperial College, London: “There is consistent scientific evidence that low circulating vitamin D concentration is a marker of increased risk for developing cancer.”
(1) SOURCE: British Medical Journal Online First, Jan 22, 2010
In addition to our dietary intake of vitamin D rich foods, such as Herring, Sardine, Catfish and Mackerel -vitamin D is also synthesized in our skin as a result of our natural exposure to sunlight.
However, with our modern industrial, primarily indoor and sheltered lifestyles -and because very few of us rely upon fish as a staple in our daily diets …most of us are sadly deficient in this essential nutrient.
“Okay, so I’m deficient. What can I expect to experience when I supplement with vitamin D?”
Well, my personal experience echoes the experience of my clients: Supplementing with vitamin D gives one a sense of increased energy, an improved mood and an overall feeling of well-being. It’s not unlike spending a relaxing day in the sun, to be honest.
And that’s just the subjective experience.
Clinically, we know that adequate vitamin D levels improve immune system function, balance blood pressure, resist Alzheimer’s disease, prevent late-life dementia and help prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D also helps abate Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
So how much vitamin D do I need?
Coach Charles Poliquin suggests, that you should shoot for vitamin D levels between 80 and 100 ng/mL.
In order to accomplish this, you could supplement with 5,000 IU of quality vitamin D3 every day. At this rate it’s likely that levels will be at least in the normal range within about three months. However, you should expect to supplement for another couple of months to reach the high normal range.
Another approach, and the approach that Coach Poliquin and the most knowledgeable nutrition clinicians prefer, is to supplement twice per week with about 30,000 to 100,000 IU of D3. Based on research and clinical evidence, this method seems to accelerate the increase of D3 in blood levels at the fastest and most efficient rate.
The real ‘take-home’ message here is -unless you are eating your fill of fatty-D3 rich fish such as Herring, Sardine, Catfish and Mackerel -and getting at least 8 hours of bright, warm sunshine upon your skin on a daily basis….You really ought to consider improving your moods, your energy, your health and your immune system by supplementing your diet with twice weekly infusions of a quality vitamin D-3 nutritional supplement.
Your health is one of the few things you control….
Don’t leave it to chance.
Let me help you be your best.
To Your Good Health!
Paul D'Arcy NSCA, CPT, Poliquin certified BioSignature Practitioner
